Your furnace is one of the most important parts of your home HVAC system. It keeps you warm in the winter and cools in the summer, but it also needs some care and maintenance to stay in tip-top shape. Spring is a great time to give your furnace a little love and attention. Keep reading to learn some maintenance tips that will help you keep your heating and cooling services running smoothly and safely all year long.
Clean The Furnace
Spring is the best time of year to perform a full cleaning and maintenance routine for your furnace. This will help your furnace run efficiently, keep your home warmer, and prevent problems in the future. A good furnace cleaner will remove dust, debris, and sludge from your furnace’s internal components. Keeping your furnace clean and free of blockages will ensure that it runs as efficiently as possible, so you won’t have to worry about paying more for fuel than necessary or costly heating repairs.
Change The Air Filter
Changing your air filter is one of the most important preventive maintenance tasks you can do for your furnace. Not only does it improve your indoor air quality, but it can also save you money by improving the efficiency of your AC and furnace. Typically, the air filter is located between the ductwork that brings air in from the house and the internal blower unit of your furnace or air handler (it can be found inside these units too). In some cases it can be difficult to find, because of the location of the system. If you do not know where your current filter is, locate it by looking in the return air duct near the furnace or indoor unit (it can be found in basements, crawl spaces, garages and attics). There may be an access door on this duct that will allow you to remove the existing filter and replace it with a new one.
Check The Thermostat
Your thermostat is one of the most critical parts of your heating and cooling system. It should deliver trouble-free service over many years. However, like any manufactured product, it can fail and leave you without heat or cool air. Fortunately, you can test your thermostat to see if it’s working properly. To do this, find the two wires that connect it to your furnace and undo their terminals with a screwdriver. Once you’ve removed them, twist each wire together and see if the blower starts when you turn your home’s circuit breaker back on. If your thermostat doesn’t start the blower after you do this, it might be faulty and needs to be replaced. If your furnace has a manual pilot light, make sure it is lit by lighting a match over the pilot orifice while holding down the reset button for 60 seconds. If this doesn’t work, contact us for assistance.
Furnace installation is a complicated process that requires qualified HVAC professionals to complete. If you attempt to do it yourself, you could end up causing more damage and paying for a major repair down the road. A professional is a person who performs a specific activity for gain or compensation as a permanent career. These include doctors, engineers, lawyers, architects and commissioned military officers.
They Have The Right Tools
Furnace installation is a complicated process that requires specialized tools. HVAC work often involves sheet metal and ductwork, which can be dangerous for do-it-yourselfers. A furnace must be properly hooked up to the main electrical system of the home. If you don’t know what you’re doing, there’s a chance that you could cut wires and get electrocuted.
Most heating pros have the proper equipment and know how to install a furnace correctly. They also back up their work and can offer a labor warranty. Whether you’re installing a new furnace at your own house or your neighbor’s, it’s always better to leave the job to professionals.
You’ll save money in the long run, too. A professional will help you choose a furnace that’s the right size for your home, so it doesn’t waste energy and is more efficient. They’ll also perform regular maintenance checks and repairs to ensure that your new system keeps working as it should.
They Know What To Look For
If you’re looking for a professional to work on your furnace, it’s a good idea to take the time to do some research. The right HVAC pros will be able to quickly identify any problems with your system that may require immediate attention and avoid the need for more serious repairs later on.
Whether your furnace isn’t producing heat or cycling on and off frequently, check the thermostat first. Make sure it’s properly set to the correct temperature and that there’s power to it. If your thermostat is showing a low battery symbol, install new batteries immediately. A faulty thermostat is one of the most common causes of trouble with your furnace.
They Have The Experience
When you hire a professional to work on your furnace, they have the right knowledge and experience to make sure the job is done correctly. This is why they’re the best choice for this type of job. If you decide to do the job yourself, you may not know what wires to cut without getting electrocuted or how to connect ductwork to ensure that your furnace doesn’t leak dangerous gases like carbon monoxide.
Another important thing to consider is that they have liability insurance which will protect you in case anything goes wrong while they are working on your system. They also have the skills and tools to get the job done in a timely manner so that you don’t have to wait too long.
Having your furnace serviced on a regular basis will help you avoid having to worry about it not heating up during cold winter nights. It will also save you a lot of money on energy bills since your system will be running more efficiently.
They Are Just Safer
Whether you’re a new homeowner or just upgrading your old system, a professional can help you save money on furnace repair services in the long run. That’s because they know how to choose the right furnace for your home and can make recommendations that boost its energy efficiency.
They’ll also ensure that your furnace is installed correctly to keep you and your family safe. Then, they’ll perform annual inspections to identify any potential issues so you can make repairs before they get worse. Performing maintenance services on time can help you increase the lifespan of your heating system by ensuring it’s running at peak performance.
Finally, they’re covered by insurance, so they won’t be held responsible if something goes wrong while they’re working on your system. This can help you avoid costly compensation for injuries and damages. That’s why it’s always a wise idea to hire a professional HVAC company to install your furnace at home!
The center of any home heating system is the furnace. The system ensures that the indoor environment remains warm even when temperatures are below freezing. This is why choosing a replacement or new furnace that works efficiently to heat your home without any outrageous heating bills is important. Here are the best furnaces to buy.
Top Furnace Brands
The most efficient furnaces are ones that you can rely on when temps become unstable. Here are the top 10 furnace brands in 2022.
Lennox
Lennox is known for being available in many options, such as noise-reducing features with different blower motors. Price ranges can be pretty low or pretty high depending on the actual model you purchase. They can operate quietly while running at up to 98.7 percent efficiency.
Trane
Trane gas furnaces have been around since the late 1800s. Trane is known as one of the industry’s top heating and cooling companies. They can be pretty expensive, but they have been tested for their long-lasting performance and durability. If you are looking for a furnace with an efficiency rating of up to 96 percent, Trane is an excellent investment.
Goodman
Goodman furnace products consist of solid build quality and are extremely durable. Goodman companies also offer various warranty programs that can assist in safeguarding the system again any unexpected issues. Goodman furnaces also make a great choice because they have 98 percent efficiency.
American Standard
American Standard furnaces are known for being quiet and durable. However, they may cost more than other brands but won’t require as many repairs or maintenance as other furnaces. This gas furnace significantly surpasses government efficiency standards and has a rating of 97.3 percent.
Amana
Amana is owned by Goodman and contains reliable furnaces for the home in addition to air conditioners and heat pumps if you are looking for a complete heating and cooling system. They don’t cost as much as other brands and are quiet. They also have an impressive 98 percent efficiency rating.
Bryant
If your goal is to install a furnace with a very high-efficiency rating, Bryant is the brand to turn to. Users can get up to 98.3 percent fuel efficiency and the unit boasts a hybrid heat system that can operate a heat pump and gas furnace configuration.
Carrier
Carrier is another top-rated furnace brand well-known among many professionals for manufacturing purposes. It is also a long-lasting furnace that features cooling equipment for the home. It has a 98.5 efficiency rating.
Rheem
Rheem is well known for its hot water heaters and boilers. However, they also offer top-quality furnaces that are more on the affordable side.
Ruud
Rudd furnaces are known for lasting a long time in addition to being high-quality and durable. They can heat and protect the home due to its blocked drain sensor that will turn off automatically if it detects a blockage to prevent spillage and avoid potential water damage.
Heil
Finally, Heil furnaces contain more advanced features than other brands but with budget-friendly options and more high-end furnace heating units. They have a 98 percent efficiency rating and are Wi-Fi enabled.
Living in St. Louis means you’re usually dealing with either hot summer heat or bracingly cold winters—and either way, your HVAC system is doing a lot of work. As any homeowner knows, the more you use that furnace or air conditioner, the higher your bill gets.
Do you really have to sacrifice comfort for lower bills? Not necessarily. If you’re interested in making the change to an energy-efficient furnace in St. Louis, MO, you may be able to stay comfortable at a much lower price. Here’s a closer look at the benefits of energy-efficient furnaces:
Save money on your utilities: Obviously, the biggest benefit of energy-efficient appliances is that they’ll save you a significant amount on your energy bills each month, whether you use natural gas or electricity to heat your home. When they’re paired with a smart thermostat, you can cut down a big chunk of your energy costs. Not only is it cheaper for your furnace to run, but it will only run when people are at home, not when you’re out at work, school or otherwise.
Fewer carbon emissions: Another great reason to buy an energy-efficient furnace is the reduced carbon footprint. As we all know, global warming is an increasingly important issue facing our world. The more you can do to help, the better—and the fact that it will also save you money on your bills doesn’t hurt, either. Look for an Energy Star rating to ensure your new unit runs as efficiently as possible.
Better air quality: Today’s technology also includes better filtration and improved airflow. When you purchase an energy-efficient furnace or air conditioning unit, you’ll also get better air flow. Most new units use variable speed motors to encourage the most efficient air flow depending on the temperature and thermostat. This helps filter out impurities and pathogens that can exacerbate or cause illness.
Extended warranties: If you’re thinking about purchasing an energy-efficient unit, look at the warranty. Chances are, these new, efficient units will offer significantly nicer warranties than what you’re used to. Not only does this protect you over the long term, but it may even save you money on routine repairs.
Easier and quieter to use: Finally, newer furnaces and air conditioning units are easier and quieter to use on the whole. If you’re still dealing with the same heater your home came with, maybe it’s time to see what newer technology can provide. Some units use sound-absorbing materials to make them as pleasant and unobtrusive as possible.
Now that the cold temperatures are here, there’s no better time to replace your old furnace. Whether you want to save money, be kinder to the planet or reap all the rewards of a new energy-efficient unit, it’s a smart choice for your home.
For help buying and installing a new energy-efficient furnace in your home, call the team at Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling. We know all the benefits of energy-efficient furnaces in St. Louis, MO, and can help you find the right heater for your needs.
When you’re a homeowner (especially a novice homeowner), every sound in your home can be unsettling. After all, when you move into your house, you’ve not only invested a massive sum of money, but you’ve also pinned your hopes and your family’s future on those four walls. So, when unexpected noises rattle your home, you inevitably want to know what’s wrong.
No home noise is more unsettling than excessive clamor from your home’s furnace. Millions of Americans own furnace-based heating systems, and most of them get a little nervous when they start causing a racket. Not to worry, though—if your furnace is making some noise, here are some signs you could require further furnace repair in St. Louis, MO.
Squealing
When your furnace kicks on and a squealing noise soon follows, it often means that you’ve got a loose belt somewhere in the motor. If you address the problem quickly, it should be a relatively cheap fix. If squealing is left unattended, it could lead to more severe issues with your furnace.
Rumbling
If your furnace turns on as usual and completes a heating cycle without issue, but then lets out a home-rattling rumbling noise, then you could be in trouble. A loud rumble often indicates that your furnace is combusting fuel even after your pilot light has turned off. If your furnace is rumbling, call a company to schedule furnace repair in St. Louis, MO as soon as possible.
Loud humming
You’re likely familiar with the typical noises associated with your furnace. There’s an assertive click when it turns on and a light humming noise as it completes its operation cycle. When that typically muted hum turns into something loud and ominous, you could have an issue with your furnace’s fan or capacitor. A professional HVAC technician should be able to diagnose the source of the problem.
Popping noises
One pop when your furnace turns on is natural. If that popping noise continues during your furnace’s operation, it could mean that your furnace’s burners are dirty. Leaving the popping sound unattended could lead to the accumulation of gas on your burners, which could eventually cause dangerous problems.
Let the pros make a diagnosis
You shouldn’t have to sit and scratch your head wondering, “What is wrong with my furnace?” Schedule furnace repair in St. Louis, MO with Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling! We have more than 20 years of experience offering a comprehensive range of residential and commercial services to our valued customers.
We specialize in the installation, maintenance and repair of AC systems, furnaces, ductwork, air filters, humidifiers and more! We can even make sure your furnace or heating system is clean and ready to go before the cold weather sets in. Don’t be caught in the cold—Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling will send a highly-skilled technician to diagnose your problem and then fix it. Your heating and cooling problems will be a thing of the past when you work with us. Call today to schedule your appointment.
Spring Maintenance Tips For Your Furnace